Grand Duke

Grand Duke is the twelfth rank in the Imperial aristocracy, and is in practice very similar to a Duke. The territory of a Grand Duke is no larger than a Duke, however, they wield considerably more influence at Court.

Expectations
When a Duke has served the Empire for a long time and with great distinction, he has the opportunity to be promoted to a Grand Duke. In doing so, he gains no new territory, but he does gain greater rights of taxation and can field more impressive fleets and armies.

Furthermore, when dealing with other Duchies, a Grand Duke will almost always have the upper hand, as their word carries more weight with the Crown. If a Grand Duke spends considerable time and effort devoted to the cause of the Empire, and eventually stands out above and beyond even the other Grand Dukes, they may be fortunate enough to move to the final traditional rank of the aristocracy, ascending to Archduke of the Imperium.